Expansion of Women’s Water Polo in Missouri
Dear Water Polo Supporters,
Over the next few years, Missouri Water Polo will be working toward growing the sport of water polo in new areas of opportunity. One of those areas we would like to address now is girls’ water polo in the St. Louis area.
Over the past few years, we have seen large growth in girls’ water polo in the St. Louis area. We have seen numerous girls go on to play at major college programs, including Mercyhurst, Notre Dame College, and Golden West, and we have seen the rapid development of girls’ polo at the club level, including SLAP taking the first 18U girls’ JO team from our area in 2013.
With these advances, MWP would like to explore how we might further contribute to the growth of girls’ water polo in Missouri. As a result, we are calling on anyone who might be able to help – current female athletes, parents, former athletes and parents, coaches, etc. – to help us determine the next steps in continuing to grow girls’ water polo in Missouri.
To accomplish this goal, MWP will be holding a meeting Wednesday, July 16 in the meeting room at the Thornhill Branch of the St. Louis County Library (near Parkway North High School) at 7 PM. We would love to have as many people as possible to help us formulate a short-term and long-term plan for girls’ water polo in St. Louis. Some questions to be addressed include:
-How can we improve girls’ water polo currently?
-How can we improve the Longsuit Invite?
-How can we give more girls the opportunity to play, not only in high school season but also at the club level?
-What are long-term goals for girls’ water polo? A girls’ season? Private school involvement?
In order to address these questions and set some goals, we would love to have your support and participation. The more ideas we receive, the better we can formulate a plan forward. Please pass this along to anyone you think that might be able to contribute. If you would like to contribute but will not be able to make the meeting, please contact us with any ideas you might have. If you have any questions, please let us know.
We look forward to seeing you July 16 at St. Louis County Library.
Ray Kreienkamp
Co-Chair
Missouri Water Polo Board Member
Dawn Kaliszewski
Co-Chair
